How to Surrender a Pet to an Animal Shelter
To surrender a pet, contact your local shelter first: many accept owner surrenders by appointment only, ask for the pet's medical records and charge a relinquishment fee (San Diego Humane Society, for example, charges $30 for local residents). Shelters often start with a consultation to explore alternatives, such as rehoming the pet yourself through services like Home To Home or Rehome, or help with medical, behavior or housing problems.
Giving up a pet is one of the hardest decisions an owner can make. Owner surrenders made up about 30% of animals entering US shelters in 2025, according to ASPCA figures. Planning ahead gives your pet the best chance of a good outcome.
How to surrender a pet: step by step
- Call or check the shelter's website. Many shelters require an appointment for owner surrenders (San Diego Humane Society, for example, accepts them by appointment only).
- Gather records: vaccine and medical history, microchip number, and notes on behavior, likes and dislikes.
- Ask about fees. Some shelters charge a relinquishment fee; San Diego Humane Society charges $30 for residents of its service area and $250 for others.
- Attend the intake consultation. Staff may discuss alternatives before accepting the pet.
- Sign over ownership. Surrender transfers all legal ownership and responsibility to the shelter.
Alternatives to surrendering
San Diego Humane Society and many other shelters offer help that can keep a pet at home or find it a new home directly:
| Problem | Possible help |
|---|---|
| Can't keep the pet at all | Rehome it yourself through Home To Home or Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet; breed-specific rescues |
| Vet bills | Charitable medical funds, low-cost clinics, payment plans |
| Behavior problems | Training resources and behavior help |
| Housing | Pet-friendly housing resources |
| Food and supplies | Community pet food banks and supply programs |
| Litters | Free spay/neuter for the parent animals at some shelters |
If you rehome a pet yourself, San Diego Humane Society suggests having it spayed or neutered, groomed and vaccinated first, disclosing any bite history, and completing a written transfer of ownership.
What happens after you surrender
The shelter cares for the pet and works to place it for adoption or with a rescue partner. Owner-surrendered pets usually don't have a stray holding period. San Diego Humane Society notes that if a pet has severe medical or behavioral problems affecting its quality of life or safe placement, humane euthanasia may be discussed. Being honest about your pet's history helps staff find the right home.
Can a shelter refuse to take my pet?
Some shelters limit intake when full, or only accept surrenders by appointment or from residents of their service area. Call ahead; staff can point you to other options.
Tips to help your pet's chances
- Share detailed, honest information about behavior and health.
- Provide medical records and the microchip number.
- Bring familiar food and a favorite toy if allowed.
- Update or transfer the microchip registration once the pet is placed.
Find animal shelters near you.
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.
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